Travelling opens your mind to the world. It gets us out of our comfort zone by exposing us to things we don’t see in our daily lives, and expanding our perspectives, beliefs, and opinions. Seeing new places — whether it’s in your own city or across the world — broadens our worldview. Even our taste buds get to travel the world, trying new things just as we are.
As globetrotters, Schön! invites you to explore the unexpected flavours, textures, delicacies and more throughout the globe by exploring our tasting the world guide. In this second edition, dive into more dishes and restaurants in Mallorca.
Opened in 1920, Ca’n Molinas offers both sweet and savoury items. It’s situated in the heart of Valldemossa, one of the most spectacular villages on the island, that attracts a large crowd but “the early bird catches the worm.” You order at the counter and can enjoy a tranquil moment in the garden under the small citrus grove and then go for a walk around the village (before the inevitable invasion.) The winter months are peaceful but they are busy year around as they have a major local clientele.
Schön!’s tip = Sobrasada Bocadillo.
Address: Via Blanquerna, 15, 07170 Valldemossa, Illes Balears
Heading into The Serra de Tramuntana is the little village of Esporles, where you find Meson La Villa, which purely specializes in oven roasted suckling pig or lamb. The restaurant has two floors with a huge woodfire burning oven downstairs which is a great show for the uninitiated. The menu has a small range of starters; the morcilla is particularly good and their homemade bread is fantastic. The suckling pig and lamb comes with roasted potatoes and a delicious salad, so go easy on the starters and leave room for the main event.
When a restaurant just does one thing and has done so for many years, you simply can’t go wrong. The proof is in the eating thereof.
Schön!’s tip = It is fun to experience the village market on Saturdays before enjoying a long lunch.
Address: Carrer Nou de Sant Pere, 5, bajos, 07190 Esporles, Balearic Islands
Phone: +34 971 61 09 01
CA’N TONI MORENO
Located in the tiny Port of Canonge overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, next to Richard Branson’s new resort and down a winding little road, you find Ca’n Toni Moreno. This father and son operation specializes in fish and offers an excellent selection of paellas.
The way one should really eat here is by choosing from the daily specials, then have the chef bring out the “catch of the day.” Select your fish and then discuss how you want it cooked. The front of house is superbly run by the Chef’s father who takes great pride in their wine choices. Ca’n Toni Moreno is a true culinary find.
Schön!’s Tip = For a sea view book the upstairs patio.
Address: Carrer es Port d’es Canonge, 2, C, 07190 Port des Canonge, Balearic Islands
Phone: +34 971 61 04 26
A roadhouse on la Carretera Valldemossa in the smallest village on the island sits Sa Taverna. It is straight out of a Tarantino “Spaghetti Western,” and the owner Juan might not move very fast but that’s because he does not have to. They used to serve food and, on the odd occasion, he provides a private dinner. The Mallorquin dishes he serves are simply delicious but otherwise it is a bag of crisps if you are hungry.
So don’t go “off piste” here — coffee, Canas or bottled beer are on offer, o have a gin and tonic, which Juan spares no expense to have the best tonic (plus it’s the heaviest pour of gin you will get on the island.) You can also get a scotch but forget about vodka. This is a gin joint and you only get two choices!
It opens from 8am to 2pm, then 5pm till whenever he feels like shutting up shop. Some cyclists take advantage of this great find but he has a very local Mallorquin crowd that are there daily. You can idle away the hours here very easily under the beautiful pergola as it is very tranquil despite that you are sitting a couple of meters off a busy main road.
Schön!’s Tip = Be Cool. Closed Wednesday.
Address: Carretera Valldemosa, 07190, Illes Balears
Tucked back up a small cobble stone alley you will find this sweet little eclectic tapas bar, owned by Italian native Davide Furrer. The menu is finely balanced with staples, like patatas bravas which are executed in a style that sets them above the rest, in addition to their intriguing daily specials by Sardinian Chef Nicola Escana.
Whether you are in the mood for a full dining experience or just want to drop in and have a few tapas after a couple of cocktails, you will always be able to put together an interesting array of dishes that are inspired from a variety of cultures, making a welcome break from the island staples. La Gloria is extremely charming and the service is very attentive. This is a great pit stop that opens at 7pm and goes late and well worth the visit.
Schön! Tip = Pizza Frita (if it’s on the board).
Address: Carrer de les Caputxines, 3, 07003 Palma, Illes Balears
Phone: +34 871 61 04 01
The theme of Arelquin is all in the name — symbolising freedom and transgression by adding charm and mystery to this dazzling spectacle of carnival cocktail mixology. This new bar is stylish and fun which will no doubt attract an eclectic clientele.
Schön!’s Tip = Go after dark.
Address: Carrer de Santa Eulàlia, 7, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears
Phone: + 34 871 73 96 65
In Santa Catalina sits this lovely cocktail bar which specializes in mezcal and tequila, although they do all the classic cocktails as well. There is a tiny little bar menu to “soak up the booze.” The guacamole ingredients are served in a pester and mortar with tortilla chips and is the way to go if you are sticking with “south of border” libations.
Schön!’s Tip = There is also a terrace on the promenade.
Address: C. de la Fàbrica, 14, A, 07013 Palma, Balearic Islands
Phone: +34 971 37 65 11
View previous editions of Tasting the World.
words. Karina and William Annesley
photography. Karina Annesley
